AG: Greenburgh agrees to change policy on employing felons

After an investigation by the Attorney General, the town of Greenburgh has agreed to change a policy adopted in January that disqualified anyone with a felony conviction in the past 10 years from employment with the town.

The policy, which also excluded forever people convicted of violent felonies and sex offenses, violated state law because it didn't include a consideration of mitigating factors. State law requires the consideration of factors including the nature and gravity of the conviction, its relation to the duties of the job sought, the amount of time passed since the conviction, the age when the offense was committed and evidence of rehabilitation, according to the Attorney General's office.

“Every New Yorker looking for work should be fairly considered by employers, and not automatically disqualified or denied access to employment opportunities,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “Those who have served their time have a right to re-enter society free of barriers or roadblocks to employment.”